McLaren factory factory driver Tom Gamble will partner Mark Radcliffe at Optimum Motorsport this season.
The duo were intra-team rivals over the winter when they contested the 2023/24 Asian Le Mans Series on opposite sides of Optimum’s garage but have now joined forces for a British GT Championship assault that promises a great deal.
Radcliffe’s first full season in the GT3 ranks and series yielded three overall podium finishes en route to ninth in the drivers’ standings with Rob Bell. He also collected Pro-Am class victory in December’s Gulf 12 Hours aboard a 720S GT3 Evo – the same car he and Gamble will campaign this year.
“2023 was both my first year in a GT3 car and in British GT, and I quickly discovered it wasn’t going to be easy; it was a very steep learning curve,” said Radcliffe.
“But thanks to the amazing support from Optimum and Rob Bell we enjoyed three podiums in our first season together. This small taste of success has given me a lot of motivation to take on the challenge again in 2024, this time with Rob stepping aside to let Tom join me in the fight to compete with what looks like a very strong field of competitors.
“Rob will continue to partner and help me in other championships this year and was with me throughout the winter in various endurance races where we enjoyed several podiums.”
In Gamble he has one of Woking’s select few works drivers who joined the factory ranks at the start of last year. He has two previous British GT3 starts to his name, albeit back in 2019, but did make a one-off appearance in Paddock’s McLaren Artura GT4 at Donington last season.
“I’m really excited to be paired with Mark for the 2024 British GT season and to be returning to some of my favourite circuits,” said Gamble. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity; we have a strong chance of challenging for overall wins and for the championship, which ultimately is our main goal! The car feels great, so we have the tools to get the job done.”
This year’s British GT Championship begins at Oulton Park on March 30 + April 1. The series’ full-season entry list will be revealed at media day on March 12.
